Resolution J5109-2013

Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 7, 2014, as Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

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May 20, 2014: ADOPTED

May 20, 2014: REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

May 14, 2014: REFERRED TO FINANCE

Text

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 7, 2014, as Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Black
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious public health
issues that affect the lives of the residents of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 7, 2014, as Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD); and
WHEREAS, HIV is a crisis in African American communities, threatening
the health and well-being of African American men and women across the
United States; and
WHEREAS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is an HIV
testing and treatment community mobilization initiative in the United
States and across the Diaspora; the day highlights four specific action
points for African American individuals and communities: get educated,
get tested, get involved, and get treated; and
WHEREAS, Because testing is critical for prevention of HIV in Black
communities, the founders of NBHAAD chose to mark February 7 of every
year as Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in hopes that African Americans
will mark the date as their annual or bi-annual day to get tested for
HIV; and
WHEREAS, The focus of NBHAAD is to get Blacks educated about the
basics of HIV and AIDS in their local communities; and
WHEREAS, Black men account for almost one-third of all new HIV
infections in the United States, more than six times as high as the rate
among white men, and more than twice that of Hispanic males; and
WHEREAS, Among Black women, although new HIV infections decreased 21%,
this vulnerable population accounts for 13% of all new HIV infections,
and the majority, at 64%, of all new infections among women overall; and
WHEREAS, In New York State, as of December there were 21,534 Black
individuals living with HIV, compared to 12,404 Whites; and
WHEREAS, Data from the New York State Department of Health shows that
Blacks/African Americans comprised 45.9% of newly diagnosed cases in the
State in 2011, while Whites made up 19.8%; and
WHEREAS, Effective HIV prevention is a community-wide effort; NBHAAD
organizers emphasize speaking about the importance of HIV prevention and
treatment in as many arenas as possible, including local faith-based
organizations, and supporting local AIDS service providers as key ways
to be involved; and
WHEREAS, In addition, those who have HIV are encouraged to make
connections with treatment and care services; going to doctors, receiv-
ing care, and taking prescribed HIV medicines helps individuals stay
healthy and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial that days such as National Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day are observed in order to continue to raise awareness and
eventually halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, not only in Black/African Ameri-
can communities but all communities throughout the State of New York,
the United States of America, and around the world; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 7, 2014, as
Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.

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